Maitake mushrooms from Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

The first batch of factory-cultivated maitake mushrooms has been harvested in the smart greenhouse of Zhejiang Dingzhou Biotechnology Co, located in Qingyuan county, Lishui, Zhejiang province, according to local media on Oct 28.

"With 60,000 maitake mushroom logs, the total yield is around 15 metric tons. This experimental batch of maitake mushrooms should generate over 500,000 yuan ($70,012) in sales," said Cai Zhangping, a representative of Zhejiang Dingzhou Biotechnology Co.

Qingyuan is the first region in China to successfully achieve the artificial cultivation of maitake mushrooms, also known as Grifola frondosa, and is the largest producer of maitake mushrooms in the country.

Earlier this year, Zhejiang Dingzhou Biotechnology Co introduced factory cultivation equipment for maitake mushrooms and built a smart greenhouse. The first batch of factory-cultivated maitake mushrooms began on July 29.

"Traditional greenhouse cultivation of maitake mushrooms results in inconsistent quality and is at the mercy of the natural environment, with only two harvests per year," Cai explained. "Factory cultivation shortens the growth cycle, allowing for up to five harvests a year."

The smart greenhouse uses mountain spring water for irrigation, giving the mushrooms a crisper texture compared to those grown using traditional methods. In terms of quality and safety, the mushrooms have passed 552 rigorous tests and are currently applying for organic certification.